Selectism has a nice story on Blackbird’s latest in-house exclusive with Alden.

Seattle recognizes Mr. Frank Osgood as father of their public transportation system. Introducing a horse drawn trolley system in 1894, Osgood begins to further facilitate the movement of laborers and the pursuit of leisure in the city. Five years later, Osgood gave the horses a rest and introduced electric trolleys and Seattle is the first West Coast town to become fully modernized in this way.

The folks at Seattle’s Blackbird have great reverence for Osgood and his contributions to the public welfare of their home town. So much so, that they’ve produced a pair (as in two models) of shoes inspired by him. I like a quirky reading of history, and as such am willing to believe for a moment that public transportation is especially good for keeping shoes clean on the way to work.

Regardless of this somewhat dubious analysis of urban development, the shoes are very handsome (in my humble opinion). The above model is the Hayburner Saddle Shoe in #8 burgundy cordovan and black alpine grain leather. The second, after the jump, is the Leschi Picnic Saddle Shoe in black calf and navy blue suede. Think labor and leisure. Or, more simply, work and play.

P.S. The shoes are manufactured by Alden.

More looks at the Alden for Blackbird Osgood Series Saddle Shoe follow here.

We always appreciate when a quality and heritage shoemaker offers something a little more casual and easy to wear. Today we came across the Foss Tugger Workbook, a collaboration between Alden and Seattle boutique Blackbird. The black leather upper, hiking eyelets and Good Year outer sole make for a perfect combination in this time of year. They are now available from Blackbird.

Detailed images of the boots follow after the jump.

Seattle boutique Blackbird worked with Alden on the Wingtip Blucher. The shoe is made of 100% calf leather, features a blucher style wingtip, and was made exclusively for the store. In our mind definitely a nice interpretation of this all-time classic. The shoe comes in an almost black burgundy colorway and is now available.

Detailed images of the Alden x Blackbird Short Wingtip Blucher follow after the jump.

Common Projects is another brand that we have become big fans of in recent years. It’s probably one of the first brands betting on subtle, quality sneakers and since then we have seen a lot of followers. All their sneakers feature premium leathers and almost no branding. It’s the type of shoe that looks nicer with age.
Blackbird now got their Fall 2008 shipment and offers a large selection of styles. The new Chukka is available in red and grey, and other favorites include the Shell Toe Low, which comes this season in a mix of leather and suede.
Have a look at the entire Common Projects Fall 2008 line-up after the jump.

Last week we showed some pieces of the Wings & Horns Fall/Winter 2007 collection, one of our favorite Canadian brands. Now we can show you some more of the line and the more we see of the new collection, the better we like it. The knitwear presented is very strong, consisting of sweaters, vests, cardigans and more. The jackets also look great. Wings & Horns manages to translate heritage very well into a modern clothing line and all that also at very high standards of quality.
Blackbird in Seattle now carries the entire collection. Check out our favorite pieces after the jump.